New to Breast Cancer

isaiah4031
isaiah4031 Member Posts: 240
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello. My web name is Isaiah4031 because that is my favorite Bible verse and it is something I need to learn to do. There are alot of people around me who give lots of love and support, but sometimes I really do feel all alone. Is that normal? I've never written to anyone before online, so I hope this is appropriate. Why doesn't everyone get chemotherapy? Would it be a guarantee that cancer wouldn't end up somewhere else?

Comments

  • tcbangels
    tcbangels Member Posts: 111
    #2
    heh there
    I just read your story & how much it reminds me of mine. I develope breast cancer 6trs ago I had 6months chemeotherapy & 5yrs tamoxifen ,I will say this so far in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ I'm still cancer free.That is one thing you have to decide on yourself if you want to take it.I'm new to the computer but not to breast cancer.I feel the Lord gave this chemeo to save us this is one way he is showing you to take.I never talk to anybody reallly but my huband until I got this computer a couple of weeks ago.It feels goood to know you can talk to people that has gone through what you go through.I will say chemeo is bad but its got to be to kill those cancer tumors in your body it might make you sick for a little while but just whats waiting at the end of it your family who loves you so much & wants you there with them.just hang in there & give it all to Jesus he will show you the right way to go & the right decision to make .I know being new to it your mind is just thinking a thousand things at a time on what kind of decision to make but its only you that can make the decision its your body ,if you need to talk e-mail me at my web page here in cancer network or wriite in discussion room we all know what you are going through & we all want to help you in anyway
    love in Christ cheryl(tcbangels)
  • jeancmici
    jeancmici Member Posts: 665 Member
    #3
    Hi,

    Just about everyone gets chemotherapy now even if there is no node involvement, but some people do refuse it - not many but some.

    A person has a better chance - usually - of not having a recurrence or not as quickly with the chemo, but there are NO GUARANTEES in cancer treatment.

    Are you getting chemo now, if I am not being too nosy! :-)

    Good Luck, Jean
  • rae_98390
    rae_98390 Member Posts: 28
    #4
    Hi,

    This is a great place to read and post on. Everyone is great here. Welcome!!

    I think we all feel alone at some point. It sure sounds like others here have experience feeling lonely too. I have. It is normal. :):)

    Most people get chemotherapy now. Even when they don't have lymphnode involvement. It helps to ward off cancer. It is not a guarantee but it sure does raise the percentage that it will not come back. I thought about not having it but I would have had a 50/50 chance of reoccurance. With six months of chemo the percentage was suggested to be about 95% chance that it would not reoccurr. That seemed like much better odds to me and a good reason to try it.

    Post and let us know how it is going. We would love to hear from you.

    You take care.

    Cindy
  • tiger
    tiger Member Posts: 277
    #5
    rae_98390 said:

    Hi,

    This is a great place to read and post on. Everyone is great here. Welcome!!

    I think we all feel alone at some point. It sure sounds like others here have experience feeling lonely too. I have. It is normal. :):)

    Most people get chemotherapy now. Even when they don't have lymphnode involvement. It helps to ward off cancer. It is not a guarantee but it sure does raise the percentage that it will not come back. I thought about not having it but I would have had a 50/50 chance of reoccurance. With six months of chemo the percentage was suggested to be about 95% chance that it would not reoccurr. That seemed like much better odds to me and a good reason to try it.

    Post and let us know how it is going. We would love to hear from you.

    You take care.

    Cindy

    HI there.

    Cancer is a scary thing, especially with so many unanswered questions. Most people have chemo and radiation as a precaution, while others have to have it, like it or not.
    Some people do not need it, say they had the tumour removed and the surgeon feels chemo is unnesseccary; But most smart people ask for some chemo as a means of stalling recurrence. My maternal aunt had a mastectomy 17 years ago and is still cancer free today, she did not have chemo or radiation. but on the other hand, a friend of mine had a lumpectomy with radiation and chemo five years ago, and had reccurence two years ago. So it goes to show you that there are no realy guarantees.
    I have been doing chemo for 17 months now. 7 doses of one "red devil cocktail" then 9 doses of Taxol with 26 doses of Herceptin and now am on an oral chemo taken twice a day for fourteen days, seven off then resume. I have breast mets liver.
    What type do you have? Are you on chemo or thinking about it? It is hard, but in the long run, I personally feel it is for the best to take it.
    A good strong attitude, and lots of love,faith and laughter will sustain you through the tough times. But dont be afraid to cry, it is a great way to relieve stress and detox your emotions.
    Well, I will leave you with my home email in case you care to mail me personally, I do not get on this site much anymore, summer time and busy with the kids,
    davem@efni.com
    My name is Rosa, and I go by tiger on this site.
    Good luck to you and stay in touch!!
    Hugs from Tiger
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #6
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • robinh
    robinh Member Posts: 22
    #7
    Hi Isaiah--I think it's very normal to feel alone and isolated--especially in the beginning. I only recently discovered this web site and can't believe how much it has helped me to feel a part of a greater picture.

    I don't know where you are in your illness, but I was one of the lucky ones. Mine was caught very early on and while my surgeon and oncologist recommended a bi-lateral mastectomy, I never had to have chemo treatments. My doctors didn't feel like it was necessary. If you have concerns, though, I wouldn't hesitate to express them to your doctor.

    Hang in there. I know this is a hard time and very overwhelming. Don't try to be a marine. Let the people around you give you the support and love you need.
    Robin
  • robinh
    robinh Member Posts: 22
    #8
    PS
    Isaiah, you might also want to complete your personal web page. I found that very theraputic.
  • sharon_buck
    sharon_buck Member Posts: 62
    #9
    Welcome Isaiah I have been on about a Month and wish I found this site sooner! Lots of good support here I had chemo and just finished radiation doing what it takes to fight this with everything possibile. Stay strong!!! Sharon
  • judyd
    judyd Member Posts: 124
    #10
    Hi, my name is Judy. I had a mastectomy in Dec. of last year. I am on tamoxifen but did not have to have chemo or radiation. Like everyone else here has said, there are no guarantees with this disease. You go through many different feelings & thoughts through all of this. It really helps to talk to people who have been through it because they understand what you are really going through. Good luck to you. I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers as I do all the ladies on here. Judy
  • lindysu
    lindysu Member Posts: 59
    #11
    welcome Isaiah,
    I have just finished my chemo and am schedualing radiation treatments..One of the things that helped me ,was getting all the books I could find with survivor stories in them, that has helped to to not feel so alone and also inspired and encouraged me.
    At first I was very freaked out about chemo and wasn't sure I wanted to do it...What helped me make up my mind was one of Greg Andersons books- Cancer, 50 essential things to do . Greg is an 18 yr survivor of lung Cancer, what is even more impressive is his doctors only gave him 3 mos to live when diagnosed. Greg has interviewed thousands of cancer survivors for his books and he said he was surprised to learn that most survivors had done traditional treatment IE: surgery, chemo, radiation, and had added complimentary treatment to it. That convinced me to go ahead, and do the same. Chemo is different for everybody,not everyone gets sick... I had a very easy time with few side effects.I also did meditation, visualization, herbs and lots of prayer, and positive verbal affirmations,and lots of rest.. which I'm sure has helped.... this is a wonderful site with very supportive positive ladies..........lindy
  • gayleyr
    gayleyr Member Posts: 51
    #12
    I was attracted to your message because of your email name. Isaiah 40:31 is also my favorite verse. I do believe however that "waiting on the Lord" also means using every avenue he has prepared for us to make ourselves better. He has allowed man to know much about medicine and technology to help us, and I believe it is beneficial to us. I have had 6 months of chem and a double mastectomy - am scheduled to begin radiation tomorrow. While I was sick some during chemo I wasn't sick all the time - prayer and a positive attitude will make the difference. Remember it is only for a few months. The benefits far outweigh the side effects. I will pray for you. Feel free to email me personally if I can help.
  • 24242
    24242 Member Posts: 1,398 Member
    #13
    There are moments even today for me, even though I am a 5 year survivor when I feel alone with all that I am feeling unable to share with the ones I love. That is why this site is so important. Just look at the number of us who need to vent and share our feeling with the hopes of filling our lives instead of this emptiness that sometimes comes over us. I started writing on this site because I needed to be around people like me who understand what I have been through and the feeling that go with it. Sometimes we just have to face our fears and do it anyways.
    Be good to yourself,
    24242Tara
  • pamtriggs
    pamtriggs Member Posts: 386
    #14
    Hi there & welcome

    I had BC 20 years ago & no chemo as I had no lymph node involvement (or so they thought). Now I have stage 4 mets to lung & bones. Lung mets responded to hormones but not bones so am now on 6 cycles adriamycin. Chemo wasn't the norm 20 years ago. If I'd had it then I wouldn't be where I am now but that's life. You just have to kick back & fight it. Good luck to you. Love Pam from New Zealand
  • isaiah4031
    isaiah4031 Member Posts: 240
    #15
    jeancmici said:

    Hi,

    Just about everyone gets chemotherapy now even if there is no node involvement, but some people do refuse it - not many but some.

    A person has a better chance - usually - of not having a recurrence or not as quickly with the chemo, but there are NO GUARANTEES in cancer treatment.

    Are you getting chemo now, if I am not being too nosy! :-)

    Good Luck, Jean

    Hi Jean,
    No, you are not being too nosy. I am not receiving chemo yet. I am currently just receiving radiation therapy. I just finished #8 of 25 treatments. I just want to do everything I can to fight this and my doctor said that chemo would be overkill based on my type of cancer: Stage I with negative nodes. However, my thinking is that if there is a need for radiation, couldn't there be one for chemo? If there are some stray cancer cells in my body shouldn't I do anything I could do to kill them? The doctor said there was no way to know for sure if there were stray cells, but I don't want to have a reoccurance and think "I should have done chemo." I would much rather say, "I tried everything I could have." I have read so many of the posts here and I have discussed this with my doctor. She said she would be supportive of any decision regarding chemo that I make. She said that she thinks a patient's peace of mind is most important. So I will be meeting with her at the end of this month for a face-to-face discussion. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jayne
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #16
    judyd said:

    Hi, my name is Judy. I had a mastectomy in Dec. of last year. I am on tamoxifen but did not have to have chemo or radiation. Like everyone else here has said, there are no guarantees with this disease. You go through many different feelings & thoughts through all of this. It really helps to talk to people who have been through it because they understand what you are really going through. Good luck to you. I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers as I do all the ladies on here. Judy

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • isaiah4031
    isaiah4031 Member Posts: 240
    #17
    gayleyr said:

    I was attracted to your message because of your email name. Isaiah 40:31 is also my favorite verse. I do believe however that "waiting on the Lord" also means using every avenue he has prepared for us to make ourselves better. He has allowed man to know much about medicine and technology to help us, and I believe it is beneficial to us. I have had 6 months of chem and a double mastectomy - am scheduled to begin radiation tomorrow. While I was sick some during chemo I wasn't sick all the time - prayer and a positive attitude will make the difference. Remember it is only for a few months. The benefits far outweigh the side effects. I will pray for you. Feel free to email me personally if I can help.

    I tried to e-mail you but there isn't an address on file. I just wanted to thank you, but if you get this, please let me know your e-mail. Thanks
  • hardwaregal
    hardwaregal Member Posts: 1
    #18
    pamtriggs said:

    Hi there & welcome

    I had BC 20 years ago & no chemo as I had no lymph node involvement (or so they thought). Now I have stage 4 mets to lung & bones. Lung mets responded to hormones but not bones so am now on 6 cycles adriamycin. Chemo wasn't the norm 20 years ago. If I'd had it then I wouldn't be where I am now but that's life. You just have to kick back & fight it. Good luck to you. Love Pam from New Zealand

    Hello,
    My name is carol and I am from Fl. I have just been diagnosed with maglignant invasive carcinoma of the breast. I will be undergoing a mastectomy this friday. I have a lump under the arm, and until friday the surgeon cannot stage this cancer. My biopsy revealed a mass in the right breast 1cm. Surgeon said he is willing to bet that the lump under the arm is also malignant. They will find this out during surgery. Lump under arm is 3cm. Has anyone been through this with gland and lymph node involvement. I am still in shock hoping for some info. Thanks!
  • SusieK
    SusieK Member Posts: 5
    #19
    hardwaregal said:

    Hello,
    My name is carol and I am from Fl. I have just been diagnosed with maglignant invasive carcinoma of the breast. I will be undergoing a mastectomy this friday. I have a lump under the arm, and until friday the surgeon cannot stage this cancer. My biopsy revealed a mass in the right breast 1cm. Surgeon said he is willing to bet that the lump under the arm is also malignant. They will find this out during surgery. Lump under arm is 3cm. Has anyone been through this with gland and lymph node involvement. I am still in shock hoping for some info. Thanks!

    The best advice I can share with you is to educate yourself and arm yourself with information. The decisions about your future, treatment and your body are yours to make. You will have to live with whatever choices you choose and your doctor's life will not be effected. I would recommend two books for quick reading and reference - "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book" so you can know what the latest technology is and can understand what your doctor is discussing with you (just read the chapters that you are interested in and need information from) and "Be A Survivor" by Dr. Vladmir Lange which is filled with simple quick explanations, definitions and wonderful illustrations for quick reading. Also, another book which is wonderful for after the surgery is "Essential Exercises for Breast Cancer Survivors" by Amy Halverstadt and Andrea Leonard. It is very important to use stay limber after surgery. I know this is scary for you so I highly recommend that you find a breast cancer soulmate to help guide you along this journey to survival. I had a wonderful friend that I met through the internet and I do not know what I would have done if I had not had her knowledge and experience to rely on. She was about six months ahead of me in diagnosis and treatment. I had two invasive ductal carcinoma and the sentinel node was cancerous. In spite of my doctors recommendations for mastectomy and total lymph node removal, I chose lumpectomies with the sentinel node biopsy and removal of only five lymph nodes. Only the sentinel node was cancerous - the other four lymph nodes were not cancerous so that told the doctor and I that we had caught the cancer before it had traveled past the sentinel node and allowed me to save the rest of my lymph nodes. Every person has to educate themselves and choose for themselves. I was lucky through out my surgeries, treatment and recovery because anytime I had a question or concern or needed information, I wrote to my friend, Julia. She helped keep my spirits up and helped me stay on course. My heart and prayers go out to you. Please know that I am only an e-mail away if you should need someone to write to or have a lonely night without something to do but, worry. Take care. Hugs, Susie

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